YouTube has started rolling out a new age-estimation technology in the U.S. to identify teen users and make the platform safer for them. This new system uses artificial intelligence to figure out a user’s age based on different signals.
If YouTube finds that a user is likely a teenager, it will apply special protections. These include turning off personalized ads, limiting how often certain types of videos are shown. Turning on digital tools such as reminders for screen time and bedtime.
YouTube says if someone is wrongly flagged as under 18, they can prove their age by using a credit card or, government-issued ID. Only users verified to be over 18, either directly or through YouTube’s signals, will be able to watch age-restricted videos.
The company announced that the tool is powered by AI. It will be tested with a limited number of users in the U.S. over the upcoming weeks. Its rollout will expand depending on its performance.nd depending on its performance.
This update is part of YouTube’s 2025 plan to make its platform safer for younger users. YouTube has already launched features like the YouTube Kids app in 2015 and supervised accounts in 2024.
This move comes as U.S. lawmakers are paying more attention to kids’ safety on social media. Over a dozen states, like Texas, Florida, and Utah, have introduced or passed laws requiring parental consent or age checks for kids using these platforms.
Some of these laws are on hold due to legal challenges, but many are still moving forward.
